Red Cell Osmotic Fragility (Standard Method)

The red cell osmotic fragility test is a diagnostic test that is used to check the health of red blood cells (RBCs). It is a standard blood test, often considered a reliable method to determine if RBCs have a tendency to disintegrate easily.

The primary function of the red blood cells, or erythrocytes, is to deliver oxygen to the tissues in the body. The tissues use this oxygen as energy to perform their respective functions. However, certain conditions may cause RBCs to break apart, namely, thalassemia and hereditary spherocytosis.

Haemoglobin is a protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen for transportation. But during thalassemia, the body starts to make an unusual form of hemoglobin, which may eventually cause the destruction of RBCs.

On the other hand, hereditary spherocytosis is responsible for distorting the shape of the outer layer of red blood cells. This leads to the weakening of the RBCs, resulting in their eventual destruction. Both these conditions eventually cause hemolytic anemia.

To combat these conditions in their early stages, the doctor may recommend a red cell osmotic fragility test. It is a diagnostic blood test that may help in ascertaining if the RBCs are susceptible to breaking.

The procedure of the test is that of a standard blood test. The analysis of the sample is usually done by submerging the samples into a hemodiluted or hypotonic solution. The circumference of red blood cells is made of proteins that hold the cells together. If the cells break in a water-based solution, it is an indication that one of these proteins is weak.

If the cells are fragile and break apart easily, the chances of thalassemia and hereditary spherocytosis are high. These results are usually paired up with an anaemic test to confirm the diagnosis since these conditions are responsible for causing hemolytic anaemia.

Apollo 24|7 offers a red cell osmotic fragility test to help determine the strength of red blood cells. A doctor usually recommends this test if one or more of the following symptoms are consistently present in a patient:

• Consistent headaches or migraines
• Dizziness or a feeling of light-headedness
• Irregular heartbeats and breathing
• Yellowing of the skin
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Cold hands and feet

Often, these symptoms may be mild or scarcely noticeable. But a doctor might still suggest the red cell osmotic fragility test to rule out the possibility of thalassemia and hereditary spherocytosis.